The main difference between eToro and Trading 212, is that eToro provides access to copy trading and cryptocurrency trading.
If you are searching for a platform to trade a range of financial assets, then you may have whittled down your search to these two platforms.
I’ve performed an extensive analysis of eToro vs Trading212 to identify that as of this time, eToro would be the better platform as whilst their service is almost on par, Trading 212 have suspended the opening of new accounts for UK residents.
- Is eToro better than Trading212?
- Which platform is cheaper: eToro or Trading212?
- Which platform offers the most?
- Who has the most investments available?
- Who has the best research?
- Who’s customer service is best?
- Who offers the best education: eToro or Trading212?
- Is eToro or Trading 212 better?
- FAQs about eToro vs Trading212
Is eToro better than Trading212?
Yes, eToro is better than Trading 212 due to its robust copy trading facilities and the fact that Trading 212 are currently not opening new accounts for UK residents.
Key takeaways
eToro has outperformed Trading212 in the following areas:
- Currently accepting new UK accounts
- Excellent copy trading facilities
- Cryptocurrency trading
 |  | |
| Read Review | Read Review |
Overall Rating
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | Overall Rating:
90%
Fees:
90%
Account opening:
100%
Deposit and withdrawal:
70%
Trading platform:
90%
Markets and products:
80%
Research:
70%
Customer service:
70%
Education:
50%
| Overall Rating:
90%
Fees:
90%
Account opening:
90%
Deposit and withdrawal:
90%
Trading platform:
90%
Markets and products:
70%
Research:
60%
Customer service:
70%
Education:
80%
|
Which platform is cheaper: eToro or Trading212?
Fees
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum DepositThe minimum amount required to open an account | $100 | £1 |
| Minimum TradeThe minimum amount to trade or buy shares | $1 | £10 |
| ETFs FeeFee per ETF trade | 0% | 0.50% |
| Investment Trusts FeeFee per investment trust trade | NA | NA |
| Junior S&S ISA FeeSubscription fee per month and the platform fee | NA | NA |
| Non Trading FeeFee for not trading in a period | $10 pcm after 1 year inactivity | £0 |
| Stocks & Shares ISA FeeSubscription fee per month and the platform fee | NA | £0 |
| Telephone Dealing FeeFee for trading over the telephone | NA | NA |
| Withdrawal FeeFee for withdrawing funds from your account | $5 | £0 |
Winner: Draw
There are some subtle differences in the pricing structure, however, both these platforms are considered low-cost with zero commission stock and ETFs and low CFD fees.
Whilst Trading 212 have very slightly higher CFD trading fees and Forex trading fees, they do not charge any inactivity or withdrawal fees such as you could expect to be charged at eToro.
Which platform offers the most?
Platforms & tools
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| Android AppAn Android app available in the Google Play store | ||
| Copy TradingOffers the ability to copy other traders portfolios | ||
| Demo AccountOffers a demo account | ||
| iPhone AppAn app available for download from the iOS app store | ||
| Islamic AccountDoes the platform offer a sharia compliant Islamic account | ||
| MetaTrader 4Offers the MetaTrader 4 trading platform solution | ||
| MetaTrader 5Offers the MetaTrader 5 trading platform solution | ||
| Social TradingOffers the ability to share your trades on social media | ||
| Stock AlertsAbility to set price alerts, volume alerts | ||
| Web PlatformOffers a web-based browser trading platform |
Winner: Trading212
Trading 212 have really covered all the bases with their inclusion of a desktop version of the platform. In addition their platform design, usability and customisation is outstanding with great search functions, alerts, and notifications.
The mobile app is the most downloaded investment app in the UK, suiting both experienced and novice investors.
However, eToro would be a better proposition for anyone seeking to trade from an Islamic account.
Who has the most investments available?
Investments available
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| Auto InvestingAbility to set auto-investing options, usually per month | ||
| CFD TradingOffers CFD trading | ||
| Corporate BondsOffers corporate bonds | ||
| CryptoAbility to buy and sell cryptocurrency: Availability subject to regulations | ||
| Ethical InvestmentsOffers ethical investment themed funds and ETFs | ||
| ETFsAbility to trade ETFs: Availability subject to regulations | ||
| ForexAble to trade Forex | ||
| Fractional SharesAble to buy fractional shares | ||
| FundsAble to buy funds | ||
| Government Bonds (Gilts)Able to buy government bonds and Gilts | ||
| Investment TrustsAble to buy investment trusts | ||
| Junior S&S ISAAble to buy a junior stocks and shares ISA | ||
| General Investment Account (GIA)Able to buy and sell shares | ||
| Spread BettingAble speculate on rising and falling of financial markets | ||
| Stocks & Shares ISAAble to buy a stocks and shares ISA |
Winner: eToro
Again, the competition between these two trading platforms is neck and neck, with eToro pulling slightly ahead due to their access to cryptocurrency trading, low spreads, and its own crypto wallet service.
That being said, for traders who are only interested in trading stocks, Trading 212 have a very extensive selection. In addition Trading 212 would be a better option for investors seeking a tax wrapper for their investments.
Who has the best research?
Research
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| Research - SharesHas share trading research available | ||
| Research - CFDsHas CFD research available | ||
| Research - FundsHas funds research available | ||
| Research - ETFsHas research available for ETFs | ||
| Research - BondsHas research available for bonds |
Winner: eToro
There isn’t much to distinguish between the two platforms when it comes to research, although eToro have pulled ahead with their newsfeed.
Whilst this may not be a news feed in the traditional sense, the steady stream of messages posted by eToro users and analysts brings a social media edge to the platform which many users may find more palatable.
Who’s customer service is best?
Customer service
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| PhoneMain phone number for customer services | NA | NA |
| Live chatHas live chat available | Yes | NA |
| EmailMain email address for customer services | NA | NA |
| 24/7 AvailabilityAvailable 24/7 for customer services | Yes | Yes |
| TrustPilot RatingThe TrustPilot rating of the platform | 4.4 - 20,229 reviews | 4.6 |
| TwitterThe Twitter account for the platform | https://twitter.com/eToro | https://twitter.com/trading212/ |
Winner: Trading212
Trading 212 are hard to beat when it comes to customer service. They offer support across all channels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The level of service you can expect is very consistent, with helpful staff on hand to answer any questions.
Who offers the best education: eToro or Trading212?
Education
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| Share Trading GuidesHas guides on share trading | ||
| Funds EducationHas guides on trading funds | ||
| Retirement EducationHas guides and education on retirement | ||
| PodcastsHas podcasts available | ||
| VideosHas videos on education available |
Winner: eToro
Whilst eToro don’t have the best education available, it is currently available across more channels than Trading 212, in particular webinars.
That being said, Trading 212 do offer good tutorials on how to use the platform and on the basics of trading, which is useful for complete beginners.
Is eToro or Trading 212 better?
These two trading platforms are very similar in their offering with pros and cons to each. However, given that Trading 212 have not been accepting new customers from the UK for a significant amount of time, I would recommend that you consider eToro as an excellent alternative.
FAQs about eToro vs Trading212
Is Trading 212 a good idea?
eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Past performance is not an indication of future results. Trading history presented is less than 5 complete years and may not suffice as basis for investment decision.
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Cryptoassets are highly volatile and unregulated in the UK. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.
eToro USA LLC does not offer CFDs and makes no representation and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the content of this publication, which has been prepared by our partner utilizing publicly available non-entity specific information about eToro.
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